High Performance Anxiety
Integrated Hypnotherapy, NLP and Life Coaching in Rickmansworth and Chigwell, UK
High performance anxiety is a form of stress or fear that emerges in situations where individuals feel intense pressure to perform at their best. This can manifest in various areas such as academics, sports or the workplace. Despite its name, it doesn't only affect those pursuing high-profile careers; individuals in diverse fields can grapple with the impact of high performance expectations.
High Performance Anxiety Symptoms
Physical Signs:
Increased heart rate, Sweating, Trembling or shaking, Nausea or stomach discomfort, Muscle tension
Behavioral Signs:
Procrastination or avoidance, Perfectionism, Overworking, Difficulty concentrating, Impaired decision-making
Emotional Signs:
Fear of failure, Self-doubt, Irritability or frustration, Negative self-talk, Sleep disturbances
Who does High Performance Anxiety Affect?
High performance anxiety can touch the lives of individuals across professions and walks of life. It's not confined to athletes, performers or executives; students, artists and anyone striving for excellence can find themselves contending with its effects. Example - Students in Grammar Schools in the UK are reported to suffer from this kind of anxiety. The pressure to meet or exceed expectations, whether self-imposed or external, can trigger high performance anxiety.
Red Flags of High Performance Anxiety
It's crucial to recognise when high performance anxiety is impacting your wellbeing and hindering your ability to thrive. If you find that anxiety is consistently impairing your performance, causing distress, or negatively affecting your mental and physical health, seeking help is a proactive step.
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Indicators that Professional Support May Be Beneficial:
Persistent Distress: If anxiety consistently causes significant distress and interferes with your daily life.
Impact on Performance: When anxiety starts to hinder rather than enhance performance.
Unhealthy Coping Strategies: Resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance use to manage anxiety.
Isolation: Withdrawing from social or professional activities due to anxiety.
Physical Symptoms: Experiencing severe physical symptoms associated with anxiety.
How we help high performance anxiety
At BestOfMeNLP, we combine the transformative power of Hypnotherapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Time Line Techniques and Life Coaching to provide tailored support to navigate high-performance anxiety. From addressing deep-seated fears to reframing negative thought patterns, our comprehensive approach empowers you to embrace success in both personal and professional endeavors.
Personalised Assessment
We begin by understanding your unique challenges, goals, and the specific contexts triggering high performance anxiety.
Integrated Therapy
Experience peak performance with our integrated approach blending Hypnotherapy, NLP, Time Line Techniques and Life Coaching. Delve into the subconscious, reframe negative thoughts, and empower yourself to achieve balance and success.
Equip you with practical tools and techniques to manage stress and anxiety, promoting overall well-being.
Performance Enhancement
Provide strategies to enhance performance under pressure, including mindfulness and visualisation techniques.
Book a Free Discussion Call
High performance anxiety doesn't have to be an insurmountable barrier. With the right support and strategies, individuals can harness anxiety as a catalyst for growth and achievement.
Our appointments are available both Online and In-person at Rickmansworth Hertfordshire and in Chigwell Essex
What can I do to help with my high functioning anxiety?
Acknowledge and Accept: Acknowledge that feeling anxious about high performance is normal. Accept that perfection is not always attainable, and it's okay to have moments of imperfection.
Set Realistic Goals: Break down large goals into smaller, achievable tasks. Celebrate small victories along the way, and recognise that progress is a journey.
Positive Visualisation: Visualise successful outcomes in your mind. Imagine yourself performing well and achieving your goals. This positive visualisation can help build confidence.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your routine, such as deep breathing or meditation. Mindfulness can help you stay present and calm in the face of pressure.
Focus on Process, Not Perfection: Shift your focus from achieving perfection to the process of improvement. Concentrate on the steps you are taking and the skills you are developing.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Prioritise a balanced lifestyle with regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a nutritious diet. Physical well-being contributes significantly to mental well-being.
Time Management: Organise your time effectively, creating a schedule that allows for breaks and relaxation. Avoid overloading yourself with too many tasks at once.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: Identify and challenge negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety. Replace them with more positive and empowering affirmations.
Seek Social Support: Share your feelings with friends, family, or colleagues. Sometimes, verbalizing anxieties can provide a fresh perspective and emotional support.
Learn from Setbacks: Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, consider them as opportunities to learn and grow. Analyze what went wrong and use that knowledge for future improvement.
Create a Relaxation Routine: Establish a pre-performance relaxation routine. This could include activities like listening to calming music, stretching, or engaging in a brief mindfulness exercise.
Focus on What You Can Control: Concentrate on aspects of the situation that you can control. Recognize that not everything is within your power, and that's perfectly fine.
Celebrate Achievements: Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost confidence.
Professional Development: Invest time in enhancing your skills through continuous learning and professional development. Confidence often grows with competence.